Madeleine Jarl, Founder, Zaza & Lili

In a world where the pursuit of success often overshadows the beauty of human connection, a narrative of authenticity and resilience emerges. Imagine a story where a young diver, fueled by dreams and intuition, transforms into a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit, crafting not just jewelry, but a legacy of heart and integrity. This is the tale of Madeleine Jarl. In the heart of Paris, amidst the hum of ambition and the gleam of high fashion, Madeleine’s journey unfolded – a story woven with threads of intuition, family, and a gentle, unwavering spirit, proving that true success is found in staying true to oneself.

From Diving Boards to Dreams: Madeleine’s Childhood and Early Life

Madeleine’s story began not in a boardroom, but in the cool, crisp air above a swimming pool. As a young, competitive springboard diver, she learned the value of discipline, independence, and the thrill of venturing into the unknown. This early exposure to travel and competition sparked a desire to explore the world and carve her own path. Born in Sweden, her childhood instilled in her a sense of independence and a taste for adventure. She spent many hours in the pool, competing and traveling, which fostered her desire to discover the world.

Years later, in 1995, Madeleine found herself in Paris, running a commercial agency, representing various brands in the bustling travel retail sector, particularly in-flight and travel retail. But a quiet voice within her began to ask, “Why sell other people’s dreams when I could create my own?” This question, like a seed planted in fertile ground, blossomed into   Zaza&Lili   in 2015, a jewelry brand named after her beloved twin daughters, Kenza (Zaza) and Ellin (Lili). The brand was born from the desire to share her own creations and have a direct link with her customers.

Struggles and Resilience: Navigating the Unpredictable

Then came the pandemic, a storm that threatened to extinguish the light of Madeleine’s dreams. The travel retail industry, her lifeline, came to a screeching halt, with flights cancelled and sales stopped. But even in the face of adversity, Madeleine’s spirit remained unbroken. She leaned on her partners, fostered patience, and navigated the crisis gracefully, proving that true strength lies in collaboration and kindness. Madeleine also acknowledges the need to expand her local market presence and find partners to help her grow, a challenge she is now ready to face. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to new situations, a lesson learned through years of independent work.

Zaza&Lili  was more than just a business; it was an extension of Madeleine’s heart. Her daughters became the face of the brand, their laughter and energy infusing every design. This familial connection permeated every aspect of her business, built on ethical practices and a genuine desire to create win-win situations for everyone involved. She is a self-made woman, having learned all the necessary skills through hard work and determination, without formal business education. She also spent 10 years as a model, influencing her creative and visual approach. She handles everything from bookkeeping to marketing, showcasing her versatility and dedication. After the success with the jewellery brand  Zaza&Lili , she created an additional segment of jewellery exclusively for men named brand MÄN (www.man-acc.com) in 2019.

Vision and Principles: The Heart of Madeleine’s Approach

“My sunshine is my guide,” Madeleine often says, trusting her intuition to steer her through life’s unpredictable currents. Balancing two businesses, a passion for diving, and motherhood, she views her life as an integrated whole, a tapestry woven with love and purpose. Her daughters were always her priority, their happiness the true measure of her success. Her leadership style is gentle yet determined, emphasizing trust and collaboration, and she wants to give her team as much freedom as possible. Though she works long hours, she finds balance through her passion for diving, which gives her a sense of adrenaline and perfection. She believes in doing business ethically and humbly way, fostering a positive and supportive environment.

For Madeleine, success is not defined by financial metrics but by a sense of balance and harmony. “Success is really when you feel in balance and harmony with yourself,” she explains. It’s about personal fulfilment, the happiness of her loved ones, and the simple joys of life. She emphasizes the importance of ethical practices, honesty, and fostering win-win situations. Her path underscores the importance of trusting your intuition, allowing your inner light to guide your decisions, and integrating life and work to find a balance aligned with your values. Prioritizing relationships by nurturing meaningful connections is crucial, as is embracing self-learning and never ceasing to grow and adapt. Taking courageous risks, without fearing the unknown, and viewing failure as a learning opportunity are essential for growth. Ultimately, defining success on your own terms, and finding harmony and balance in your life, will lead to true fulfilment. She would like to expand her brands into new international markets and find partners who share her vision.

Advice and Inspiration: Illuminating the Path Forward

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs echoed her own journey: “Not to be afraid of putting in the needed effort.” She encouraged others to embrace flexibility, courage, and resilience, to view failures as stepping stones, and to define success on their own terms. “If you never try, you will never know. Even if the outcome is not what you hoped for, it’s an experience.” She also emphasizes the importance of trying new things, even without prior knowledge. 

Madeleine’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses; it’s about building a life of purpose and meaning. It’s about trusting your inner light, nurturing relationships, and embracing the journey, with all its twists and turns. And in the heart of Paris, amidst the hustle and bustle, her light continues to shine, inspiring others to find their own path, their own story, their own light within.